Disgraced Senators forward scores 1st from a former Flyer.

It's been an unusual and strange story when news broke that Senators forward Shane Pinto was suspended for 41 games due to a gambling ban . Pinto, who was working towards a long term contract with the Senators was forced to sign a $775,000 one year deal after his return to the NHL last week.

After his long wait, he scored his first goal of the season against the Montreal Canadiens with a little help from former Flyers captain Claude Giroux.


It was a brilliant pass from Giroux, which banked off the boards and straight onto his stick where he put it past Canadiens goalie Jake Allen.


The connection between the Flyers and Pinto was quite strong last summer when the beleaguered forward was in the middle of contract negotiations. Prior to the announcement of his suspension, the Flyers were in trade talks with former GM Pierre Dorion to make an offer for Pinto along with Matthieu Joesph to absorb his salary.


That trade fell through which could have been the result of the sale of the team to Michael Andlauer or Dorion had a change of heart. It will be an interesting offseason as Pinto will be up for renewal and potentially available to be traded or signed.

Perhaps Danny Briere will have a second look.